Generating Vaccine Demand, RCCE and Community Engagement

Risk communication is a tool for helping the community learn about risks so they can make good choices and protect themselves and their loved ones from those risks. Risk communication plans map out how communities will be reached with this important information about COVID-19 and vaccination. Effective risk communication is 2-way talking and listening between authorities and the community 💬 👂🏽

The goal of effective risk communication is to build confidence, so this is a tool you can use when talking to a community member who is unsure about getting the vaccine. The ways is which communities can be reached is called community engagement and is an important part of risk communication. Good community engagement happens when there is a clear plan to involve everyone in the community. This poster provides more information on good Risk Communication and Community Engagement.

Engaging with the community as the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available is important. When all groups in the community feel included, they are more likely to take up the vaccine, promote its safety, and protect the community at large. As a community healthcare worker, community members trust you, so you play an important role in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

It helps to also work with all the different community leaders and groups to help spread the message about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines. Train community leaders, social mobilizers from civil society organizations, teachers and other local groups to share information. Information can be shared through radio, SMS, WhatsApp, home visits and community meetings.

Follow these steps for COVID-19 vaccine communication:

1. Decide on your main vaccine communication goal. For example, it can be to increase vaccine confidence, highlight vaccine safety, or control vaccine myths.
2. Then use that goal to decide how you will deliver your messages.
3. Make sure to include all the COVID-19 vaccine basics, such as how they are made and distributed.

There are many strategies to effectively communicate. The following section will provide a summary of these:

1. When speaking with communities, always introduce yourself with empathy and understanding. Remember that many people are scared and worried.
2. Keep track of the messages your country leaders use and make sure your messages do not conflict with them. Its important to present clear and true facts.
3. You may be asked a question that you do not know the answer to. Tell them you will find out and let them know after talking to your supervisor.
4. Pictures are great for people who find health messages confusing. Make sure the message is translated to the local language.
5. Remember to talk with people who may be left out of health campaigns or are harder to reach. They may need help getting access to vaccine services.
6. Focus on people who are more likely to get a vaccine over those who will not. Speak with empathy & ask people what they have heard about the COVID-19 vaccine.
7. Correct any misinformation and share facts that will help them understand by using simple words. Remind people that the vaccines are a step to end the pandemic.

At times it may be difficult to start conversations with communities. It is helpful to begin by learning more about people’s concerns and what questions they have. Make sure to answer their questions.

Here are some question that can be used to start a dialogue with people:

• What have you heard about the COVID-19 vaccines?
• Do you have any concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccines? If so, what are your concerns?
• What information would you like to know about COVID-19 vaccines?
• Do you trust health workers and vaccinators? If not, why?

Once you have asked questions to understand community members' knowledge and acceptance of the vaccine, be sure to share relevant information, such as: the type of vaccines available, what are the benefits to being vaccinated, and what to do if side effects are experienced. Explain to people that not everyone is eligible for the vaccine at the start because the vaccines cannot be made that fast. It will be available in phases. This means some community members may have to wait for a little while before they can get the the vaccine but reassure them that they will get to once it is their turn.